mettlesome

adjective

ˈme-tᵊl-səm How to pronounce mettlesome (audio)
Definition of mettlesomenext
1
as in energetic
having much high-spirited energy and movement the mettlesome opening dance number got the audience all jazzed up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spirited
marked by a lively display of strong feeling a mettlesome debate on the teaching of evolution in the schools

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mettlesome He may have been provoked into battle by the ruler of Cebu, who was using Magellan’s troops to rid himself of a mettlesome chieftain known to raid the trade ships that navigated the waters in and around the islands. — Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettlesome
  1. energetic
  2. spirited
  3. animated
  4. fiery
  5. lively
  6. spunky
  7. animate
  8. brisk
Adjective
  • McQueen proves himself a masterful stylist of the modern blockbuster with this energetic action-thriller.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Colombian folk-pop band is known in the Latin music world for catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics and energetic live shows.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of energetic
Adjective
  • The rape trial was mentioned but the overall portrait was of an enviable, high-spirited rake.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The special traces Sheindlin’s path from a spirited childhood in Brooklyn to the New York City courtroom, where her tough, no-nonsense approach caught the attention of television producers.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of spirited
Adjective
  • Both players are intense and animated competitors, and their fan bases' are fiercely loyal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • David helped with a connection with Garner Holt Productions, which designs animated figures, show systems and special effects for major theme parks worldwide.
    — Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of animated
Adjective
  • The Arkansas native is not prone to fiery speeches or outbursts.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Continue reading … HARD LEFT PIVOT — Newsom says Electoral College has 'perverted' US politics in fiery interview.
    — , FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of fiery
Adjective
  • Broad, a lively character on the field during his playing days, then starts talking about personas.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Vendors and growers carry in their selections from different parts of the city and greater New England, making the lively market feel like a center for the region’s resurgence of artisan crafts and family farming.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of lively
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Susan was a spunky fan favorite on the inaugural Golden Bachelor season.
    — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The mop-haired actor plays Joey, a spunky boy onboard who bonds with Maddie over having absent parents in the military.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of spunky
Adjective
  • To imagine the natural world not as a passive resource but as an animate collaborator would be to reorder more than aesthetic categories, demanding another relation to our environment.
    — Tara Anne Dalbow, ARTnews.com, 29 May 2026
  • Zugunruhe is the itinerant desire of any animate being to keep moving and growing.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 6 May 2026
Definition of animate
Adjective
  • The Philadelphia-Jacksonville game is the more expensive of the two, and its brisk sales seemingly point to the popularity of the Eagles.
    — Ken Maguire, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026
  • While most of us are capable of lifting weights or heading outside for a brisk walk each day, not everyone is so fortunate, leading researchers to consider other ways to encourage muscles to produce plenty of hormones.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of brisk

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mettlesome
mew
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Cite this Entry

“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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